Israel Navy patrolling off Haifa. Photo IDF

JNS.org – For the first time a woman has been appointed a vessel commander in the Israeli Navy.

Captain Or Cohen, who is currently a navigation officer on a missile boat, will become deputy chief of a patrol boat pending final confirmation by the Israeli Navy’s commander Maj.-Gen. Ram Rothberg, who gave the initial approval Thursday.

“The navy made the decision as part of a policy to promote and integrate women on its ships and in meaningful command positions,” said Rothberg, Yedioth Achronoth reported.

“The process was based on professional considerations in light of her quality performance as officer on a missile boat,” said the head of the Navy’s manpower division, Colonel Michal Teshuva.

During this summer’s Operation Protective Edge, Cohen participated in a mission that intercepted a ship smuggling weapons from Iran to Gaza.

“My life’s dream is coming true,” Cohen said. “I’m very excited and I’m grateful for the opportunity and the trust the senior command has in me. As an IDF officer, I believe in the integration of women into meaningful combat roles and I’m glad that I’ve been given the chance to have influence.”